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Times-Advocate, 1987-01-21, Page 4Page 4 Times-Advocote, January 21, 1987 Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgama ed 1924 dvocate Published Each Wednesday Morning at Exeter, Ontario, NOM iso Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386. \ Phone 519-235-1331 LORNE EEDY Publisher JIM BECKETT Advertising Manager eNA BILL BATTEN Editor -. HARRY DEVRIES Composition Manager ROSS HAUGH Assistant Editor DICK JONGKIND Business Manager SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada: $25.00 Per year; U.S.A. $65.00 C.W.N.A., O.C.N.A. CLASS 'A' Should take heed Municipalities represented in the Lake Huron Zone Recreation Association were advised recently that they could be involved in a possible liability claim resulting from an accident associated with Sportsfest in Port Elgin this summer. These types of civil action are becoming more frequent, and while municipalities and their boards are generally protected by insurance, the same is not always true of other organizations in the area which could be named in . claims arising from their activities. A meeting was recently held in the Blyth area for such groups and they were advised by a Wingham lawyer that they should incorporate so individual members would be afforded some protec- tion from crippling lawsuits. "You people have survived on a basic quota of incredible luck --but (a lawsuit) is going to happen," he warned. "We're still in the horse and buggy stage around here, but you people are going to have to grow up, you are going to have to get some protection." He added that while the cost of incor- porating may run as high as $1,000, that sum pales in comparison to the costs awarded in some lawsuits. While incorporation does not provide guaranteed protection for members of an organization, it certainly leaves them much less vulnerable to being personal- ly named in any legal action. Obviously, it is an area in ; which members of all organizations should ReaIIy Although this winter to date has been an enjoyable exception, most area residents generally can be found to agree with the suggestion that winter is really for the birds. ironically, much enjoyment can be found even on the cruelest of winter days by carrying that well-worn phrase to its natural conclusion by taking up the task of feeding the birds. There is every reason to assume that most birds have the same disdain for winter as do humans, but when the two get together there can be some mutual advantages. Birds, of course, have difficul- ty finding food in the middle of snow banks and welcome a back- yard feeder where they can fill their tummies without the nor- mally exhausting need for lengthy searches. After all, now that the horse population has declined significantly and most other species of livestock are h sed over slatted floors, many of e main sources of food are in limited supply for our winged friends. Feeding birds is not particular- ly expensive, although for sunflowers, the price does work out to over $500 a ton. While most grain farmers in the area will tell you that is considerably more than they receive for producing thq product, most people can get by with a modest expenditure of $25 or so for the entire winter, unless they plan to feedon a rather grand scale. - The benefits far outweight the costs, particularly whenthe hours of entertainment that can he provided are compared with other forms of entertainment. A bird feeder is an almost con- stant hive of activity, or at least until the daily supply has been devoured. Naturally, the spar - have some concern and it would appear prudent that they seek some legal opinion as to the ramifications for individual members when special programs are undertaken. One of the points made at the Blyth meeting pertained to special occasion permits. The LLBO presently requires that some individual from the organiza- tion sign the application and that person then takes on some special responsibilities. In some cases, that individual may not be the one assigned to enforcing the regulations pertaining to -the permit, or in fact may not even be in attendance, but that person can almost be assured he/she would be na-med in any lawsuit arising from the use or abuse of alcohol at the event. That obviously places an unfair onus on the person who signed the permit and perhaps organizations should ask their MPPs to have the LLBQ approve permits on behalf of organizations without one person having to sign the application and be put in a very onerous position. The entire subject is one that should be more fully explored by all organiza- tions and even private citizens who may have occasion to organize social events, even those staged in their own homes. The courts are placing increased responsibilities on groups and individuals who assume the role of hosts and those who attempt to survive on a basic quote �f incredible luck as outlined by the Wingham lawyer, could be in for some disastrous repercussions. is for the birds rows will constitute the largest species to be attracted to the din- ing table, but even they are fun to watch as they flit about and scold each other for taking up too much room at the feeder. There is evidence that the birds quickly devise a plan of attack to ensure that as many as possible can get fed in the shortest time possible. A few appear to be designated Batt'n Around ...with The Editor to attack the feeder and use whatever means they have at their disposal to scatter some of the delicacies onto the ground below for the hordes waiting there. There may even be some who are periodically placed on guard dtAy in nearby trees or shrubs to warn of any impending dangers, such as cats who view bird feeders as a source for their din • - ner too. Throughout the feeding pro- cess, the birds frequently all fly off in a variety of directions for apparent and non -apparent reasons, and reappear again just as quickly. . t R t * * Most bird feeders attract a number of the colorful creatures who enjoy Canadign winters, such . as blue jays, juncos, grosbeaks, nuthatches, woodpeckers,' chickadees, fin- ches and perhaps the most spec- tacular of all, the cardinal. Our bird feeder has attracted most of those so far this winter, although no cardinals have ap- peared as yet. That leaves the blue jays to add the most color to the scene, and also the most noise. They con- stantly chatter as they grab their seeds and flit off to a nearby branch. At the outset, they were at obvious odds with most of the smaller birds and the latter gave way, but they appear to become more brazen as the days pass and are less intimidated by the jays in the battle for food. However, my favorite is the nuthatch, not so much due to any resplendent colors, but due to his (or is it her?) antics. . These little fellows have total maneuverability, being equally adept at approaching feeders up- side down or right side up, although it is generally the former. Watching them go head down around the tree is a marvel. The black -capped chickadees add their foi,•rnal-wear to the table, bringing a sense of proprie- ty to the whole colorful ceremony. True bird watchers have their binoculars and a handy reference book on hand to identify all their visitors and will advise that while you see nothing but sparrows, they see at least three or four dif- ferent members of that family in the congregation. It is also interesting to note that some experts suggest you feed the birds at precisely the same time each morning. The birds will become so accustomed to the pattern they'll come knocking on your. windown if you're late. Certainly, the practice can bring hours of pleasure to anyone who has the time and will help pass the latter for those who think they have too much of it. it won't take you long to find out the birds are most ap- preciative and responsive. Serving South Huron, North Middlesex & North Lambton Since 1873 Published by J.W. Eedy Publications limited 11 CANADIAN HOCKEY UNIFORM -1987 Sharing the labour At our house we try to maintain a certain division of labour. In ad- dition to numerous other respon- sibilities, I am expected to func- tion as the family's pest control technician. Pests include several six - legged and four -legged species that creep, crawl and scurry in and around the house at various times of the year. One of my fair- ly consistent tasks is the trapping and disposal of mice. When I was a boy I used to dream about becoming a trapper, but in my childish mind I imagin- ed somewhat larger fur -bearing animals. The trap linefor which I am responsible consists of several late model mousetraps. It isn't easy to catch mice, but I am gain- ing experience. First of all, how do I know when it's time to activate my devices again? That's where the division of labour comes in. Elizabeth is the official trouble - spotter. She reports when offen- ding eveidence occurs in places like the kitchen counter, on top of the fridge, on the stove. Im- mediate action on my part is re- quired and assured by making me feel guilty for it all. I am made to believe that there is mouse dirt in the kitchen because I haven't done my job. Since I have a certain degree of pride and take my respon- sibilities seriously, it doesn't take too much prodding. I inspect the trap line, find it empty and do my chore. There are mousetraps and there are mousetraps. They are by no means the same. Some are hard on fingers and nerves, others are soft on mice. You've got to get the right kind of trap, and it's not the model that mat- ters either. Once a good trap has been selected - one that kills mice on- ly - I keep it until it is worn out. I used to throw away the trap with the mouse because I didn't like the act of separating the cor- pse from its instrument of execu- tion. But for economic reasons and also because I'm becoming less sensitive, I now save the trap and reset it. I still don't like touching the mouse itself. So here is the little mechanical process I have developed ( not yet patented) : I pick up the trap with a pair of pointed pliers and gingerly carry it to the garbage can. While holding the wooden base tightly with the pliers, I loosen the wire that holds the mouse until the mouse falls into the garbage can. Then I place the empty trap on a piece of newspaper - more or less at eye level. Now I get my bait. It is a myth that mice like cheese. At least the mice in our house are definitely turned off by the stuff. The only thing they respond to is Kraft smooth peanut butter. I spread it generously on and under the lit- tle bait cup. Now comes the only time that I have to touch a part of the trap with my hands. I've got to flip the killing -wire over and set it - ever so gently. I push the trap to the edge of the counter or table, grab it with the pliers and carry it to the place in the cellar where our mice prefer to be executed. Here I carefully set it down without springing it prematurely. Those of you who have trapped. mice all their lives may wonder why I do not like using my hands. I am wondering about it myself. And why do I clench my teeth and lips as I perform this gruesome task? Why do I hold the mouse corpse as far from my body as possible? Is it because I feel guilty? I really do feel sorry for the poor wee things. They are cute, and their eyes are so accusing. They're saying to me: "Why did you have to do this to me, you big brute? Couldn't you share a few crumbs with me?" Come to think of it, they may be right. Mice have lived here longer than me. I'm the intruder around here, not they. And in all fairness, I must point the finger at women. It isn't men that kill mice. Oh, they perform the func- tion. They enforce and execute. But it's the women that make the law: "There shall be no mice in this house." Perhaps the time has come to lay the blame where it belongs. I would like to hear from others. What are your views on the subject? if there are men who catch mice without being cajoled, bullied or shamed into doing it by women, I'd like to know. Or if there are women out there who catch their own mice. Or if you have come to coexist peacefully -with your little rodents. Oh yes, and I'd like to know some new tips on how to set traps effectively. Any bait that is real- ly hot stuff? Any new mousetraps? Avenues are open Have you ever had your child complain that school is boring? Do you have a feeling that the teacher is not providing in- dividual help or that the program lacks appropriate academic stan- dards? Is your child generally unhappy at school? Faced with the above situa- tion(s) many pd'rents feel frustrated yet often do not know the right routes to go about solv- ing them. In desperation they mayjust pull the child out of the school. Not all children are angels but an unhappy child is not going to learn 'much. Talk to your child and check his work. Then you should approach the teacher. Perhaps you could talk about some of the activities -your child likes at school then move on to the Main problem. Most dif- ficulties will usually be resolved at this level. If the teacher becomes defen- sive, attacks you or the child -ver- bally, blames the school 'or ig- nores what is going on in the classroom, it's time to go over By the Way by Fletcher his/her head. Make it clear that you want a solution, not a fight, and thpt you would like the prin- cipal to be included in the conversation. In 99 per cent of the cases that come past the teacher to the prin- cipal some solution is arrived at but you may still not be satisfied. If you have given the school a fair shot and the question is still there you could talk to your school board superintendent. These ad- ministrators, who began their- careers as teachers, are respon- sible for ensuring that schools deliver the programs properly and that teachers maintain stan- dards. They will try to be a mediator among parents, teachers and principal. They would rather not sit in judgement. If the superintendent can't resolve the problem, elected trustees are the final court of ap- peal. Although they can't dictate what will happen in an individual school. they can still be very in- fluential in encouraging staff and parents to reach a solution. Hopefully you will always be blessed with good teachers and . will not have to resort to such measures. i